2017 Gildan New Mexico Bowl

December 4, 2017 | By: Monica Christofferson

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The field is set for the 12th annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl with the Colorado State Rams and the Marshall Thundering Herd accepting invitations. The game is slated for Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. MT/4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Radio. The matchup pits the Mountain West member against the Conference USA member on the first day of the FBS bowl season.

Colorado State (7-5, 5-3 MW), is bowl-eligible for the fifth straight season after winning its first four league games earlier this season. It is the Rams third appearance in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, having won in both 2008 and 2013. CSU is led by four All-Mountain West First Team honorees including quarterback Nick Stevens, who ranks 11th in the country in passing yards, and wide receiver Michael Gallup, who is fourth in the nation in reception yards. Mike Bobo is at the helm of the Rams and has led them to a bowl game in each of his three seasons.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome CSU and their fans back to the Gildan New Mexico Bowl,” said Jeff Siembieda, Gildan New Mexico Bowl executive director. “The Rams have provided some unforgettable moments in our game in the past, their fans have been terrific and New Mexicans have loved having them here.”

Marshall (7-5, 4-4 C-USA), is bowl-eligible after a red-hot 6-1 start to the season. The Thundering Herd have the top rushing defense in Conference USA and second best scoring defense, allowing just 19.2 points per game. The Herd, who boast a five-game bowl win streak, is making their first appearance in the Albuquerque-based Bowl game. They are guided by Doc Holliday, who is a perfect 4-0 in bowl games as a head coach for The Herd. Marshall is 10-2 overall in bowl games and have won 10 of their last 11 dating back to 1998.

“We have watched the Marshall football program with admiration from afar for years,” Siembieda said. “We are happy to welcome the Thundering Herd and their fans to New Mexico and we look forward to a great bowl week. They are an exciting team with a fantastic fan base and we are thrilled to have Marshall in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.”

Tickets, which are on sale now, range from $25-40 and can be purchased at the University of New Mexico ticket office, located in The Pit, online at www.unmtickets.com, or by calling 505-925-LOBO.